Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@dusty
• an hour ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
"I mourn with you, Robin, for the environmental loss so close by. The song does indeed catch a melancholy feel with your soft noter work."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
"@davisjames That's a neat thing to do-- I look forward to what you learn!
We have Mourning Doves around, too. The "Mourning" part of the title refers to..."
@davisjames
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning Doves:
"There really is something in the tonality of this that suggests the cooing of the doves.There's usually a pair in my neighborhood.Next time I hear them I'm..."
@davisjames
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: South Wind with Cara Bo
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: South Wind with Cara Bo
@wally-venable
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Varsoviana:
Posted a new Comment on Varsoviana:
"It is a nice arrangement in waltz time, but it is a stretch to call it "a traditional Viennese waltz."
=========================
Varsoviana /..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"DavisJames:
That's beautiful.Shades of John Renbourn,Bert Jansch et al on the dulcimer.yet unique to the instrument.
thnx DavisJames - you honour me..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Richard Streib:
Beautifully played. Love that Ionian tuning.
thnx Richard "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Robin Thompson:
Lovely. So many wonderful voicings can be had out of 1-5-5 tunings!
thnx Robin - as you know, it's my go to tuning for major scale..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Ken Longfield:
Here is Dan's website:..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Bvmaestro:
Inspiring! I love the use of dissonance and 7th chords in your music.
thnx Bvmaestro - the 7th's are about creating tension, of course "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"John W. McKinstry:
Beautiful and dreamlike. Thanks. I too am a big fan of the Ionian tuning.
thnx John"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Dan:
Wonderful tune! So you tune 1-5-5, what are your thoughts on the tuning?
hi Dan - thanks - you can read my ideas on DAA here..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Twix Moon and Lea:
Posted a new Comment on Twix Moon and Lea:
"Leny-Sue:
Very lovely, indeed.
thnx Leny-Sue"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Twix Moon and Lea:
Posted a new Comment on Twix Moon and Lea:
"Ariane:
Sounds very beautiful and relaxing, Dan.
thnx Ariane"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on The Pixies Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on The Pixies Waltz:
"Leny-Sue:
Wonderful! A delightful tune.
thnx Leny-Sue "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on The Pixies Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on The Pixies Waltz:
"dulcinina:
That was lovely, Dan.
thnx Dulcinina "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on three more tracks off new CD:
Posted a new Comment on three more tracks off new CD:
"DavisJames:
Lovely stuff.Now my favourite version of the "Carpenter" song.I had the original album by Tim Hardin.
thnx Davis - that means a lot - I've..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
"Homer Ross:
Awesome! Thanks for sharing.
thnx Homer "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
"DavisJames:
An amazing performance and composition.
thank you Davis - much appreciated "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
"Cindy Stammich:
Beautiful music and really neat photos!
thnx Cindy "
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on extracts from FolkStream concert :
Posted a new Comment on extracts from FolkStream concert :
"DavisJames:
Beautiful playing.I found it especially interesting how "Cascade" has grown....it was good before but now it's in full bloom.
thnx Davis -..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"marybery:
Beautiful melody! I’ve searched the net for that tab. What a wonderful rendition!
thanx Marybery - it's my arrangement and the free TAB..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"IRENE:
over the top beautifully played. And on such a lovely instrument too. thank you for posting this. aloha, irene
thank you Irene"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"Homer Ross:
Beautiful!
thnx Homer"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"John Turner:
Thank you Dan Evans for that lovely instrumental version. I haven't been hear for quite a while but what a nice return!
Most enjoyable Dan.
John..."
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"kjb:
Really enjoyed this. Well played and thanks for posting.
thnx Kib"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"Ariane:
Beautiful tune and sound
thnx Ariane"
@dan-evans
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"Steven Berger:
Beautifully played, Dan! I like what you did with the timing. The tune is almost the same as another Irish song, "Paddy's Lament".
thnx..."
@john-petry
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?":
"Here is a link to the Mountain Dulcimer Society group in Cleveland....It's a private facebook group, so you have to join it....hope it helps in your..."
@john-petry
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"Thank you Dana...Very sweet...A nice soul stirring tribute, we're all in line, and the line keeps moving...."
@richard-streib
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
"So sad. I pray he is able to stand strong during this time."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
"What an awful tragedy for Christophe! I cannot imagine what he must be experiencing right now. I wish for comfort and strength for him. "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Drifting Off, a lullaby :
Posted a new Comment on Drifting Off, a lullaby :
"Thanks so much, @drew009! International Appalachian Dulcimer Day is a day worth celebrating. "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dog Years :
Posted a new Comment on Dog Years :
"@drew009 Thank you-- we're happy you like it!
There is no mixing-- we just record with a Zoom H6. Typically, I sit with the dulcimer very near the..."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer effects ":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer effects ":
"You're very welcome! Sam tested one of my creations and give valuable feedback on performance and suggestions on how to improve my design."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
"This is devastating news and a tremendous loss for both Christophe and all those who appreciate his Epinette des Vosges. I hope he will be able to recover..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
Posted a response to "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
"Oh that is such awful news. What a loss of so many wonderful instruments.It must be surreal and heartbreaking for him."
@nicolas-fr
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
Created a new forum topic "Sad news: Christophe Toussaint lost everything during fire":
"Hello everyone,
I am sharing a sad news that our friend Christophe Toussaint, building French Zither (Epinette des Vosges) and spreading the sweet song of..."
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @sam-edelston:
Posted a new Comment on @sam-edelston:
"Drew009:
Hi Sam, I'm very interested in playing with effects and was curious what pedals you use.
Great philosophy you have!
Hi, Drew -
Thanks. My..."
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano:
Posted a new Comment on Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano:
"Thanks, Drew! 😀"
@drew009
• 2 days ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @sam-edelston:
Posted a new Comment on @sam-edelston:
"Hi Sam, I'm very interested in playing with effects and was curious what pedals you use.
Great philosophy you have!"
@drew009
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano:
Posted a new Comment on Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano:
"Very nice. "
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer effects ":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer effects ":
"You should contact Sam Edelston, a member here. He plays electric dulcimers of all kinds, and has a large set-up of effects."
@drew009
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dog Years :
Posted a new Comment on Dog Years :
"Great tune! How did you mix this?"
@drew009
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston):
Posted a new Comment on Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston):
"I feel like a gypsy listening to this song and that ain't so bad."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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.jpg "McSpaddenSycamore (1).jpg")
.jpg "me playing Mastertone-2-FC MAy 2025 (1).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Dulcimer instruction in...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:27 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Gary Gallier just passed away.
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:22 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Sad news: Christophe...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 8:13 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Dulcimer effects
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
6 String Baritone Dulcimers
Posted: Saturday May 9 2026, 6:04 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 6:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
An Icelandic instrument -...
Posted: Sunday May 3 2026, 3:05 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Travel dulcimer/strumstick...
Posted: Friday May 1 2026, 6:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday April 23 2026, 9:12 AM
By: @Mike the Beginner
By: @Mike the Beginner
Fret Rocker
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 8:21 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Changing from pegs to...
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 6:13 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
NGFDA's A Day with Dusty --...
Posted: Friday April 17 2026, 2:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Thursday April 16 2026, 7:56 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Hindman Homecoming 2026
Posted: Friday April 10 2026, 9:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 10:27 PM
By: @Maddie Myers
By: @Maddie Myers
Book Miller's Song or...
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 5:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Troublesome Creek on PBS
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 9:20 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Easter
Posted: Sunday April 5 2026, 7:25 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Here's a song I wrote. I...
Posted: Saturday April 4 2026, 1:57 AM
By: @Peter Losky
By: @Peter Losky
Hammered Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday April 3 2026, 5:51 PM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Tuesday March 31 2026, 1:10 AM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Freight Train Tab
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 8:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Used Wolf Hill Woodworking...
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 10:04 AM
By: @Joseph Besse
By: @Joseph Besse
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday March 29 2026, 9:30 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Equal temperamant V Just...
Posted: Saturday March 28 2026, 6:31 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Chord Book
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2026, 3:49 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Tuning question (Barley...
Posted: Wednesday March 18 2026, 9:30 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
recognize the sound holes?
Posted: Monday March 16 2026, 1:15 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
DPN Status
Posted: Monday March 16 2026, 12:50 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Where in the world are Ken...
Posted: Sunday March 15 2026, 10:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
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